Page 32 of Mafia King: Matteo (Borrelli Mafia #1)

MATTEO

I’ve never been excited to see a woman arrive at my mansion. I’ve thought of Alena off and on all day and have had my fingers over the keys on my phone pad to text her half a dozen times. I’m pacing the tiled floors, anxiously waiting for her to enter.

“Relax, Matteo. Dinner is perfect,” Federico says as he sets the formal table. I walk behind him. I don’t know what to do with myself. Will Alena like the house? Will she feel comfortable?

“I don’t know what’s changed since Alena’s been in my life, but I hope the heart palpitations stop.”

Federico chuckles. “It’s love.”

“I don’t do love,” I growl. Any other person would cower under my retort. Only Federico and Gio can brush off my denials without retribution. They are the only men I share my thoughts with.

Even if I spoke to men outside my home, they would not dare comment. However, my home is the only place I can be myself and let my guard down.“Then why do you have a gift for the lovely Alena?” Federico murmurs as he breezes back to the kitchen.

Gifts. Hm. Before today, I’ve never paid attention to what a woman might want to be gifted by a lover. Alena has a way of bringing out my generosity.

As I follow Federico around the kitchen, the door blows open, and the cold air mingles with the sweet scent of her essence as she rides the wind. She smiles when she sees me in front of her.

“Let me help you,” I say, rushing to help her get out of her coat.

“Thank you,” she says, slipping her purse off her shoulder and letting me take her coat.

“Do you want a minute before dinner?”

“Oh, no. I’m starving,” she replies, and as if on command, her stomach grumbles. “I had chips for lunch.”

“That’s not right. I’m sure you can order food. Is Sophia a problem?” My eyes narrowed at the thought of her being an issue when I once thought it would be fun to pit them against each other.

“Oh, no. I don’t know if it’s a habit or if I’m just being lazy.” She shrugs. “I’m still getting into my groove.”

“Well, you have my card. Use it. I’m putting cash in your purse tonight. You can’t walk around without it, even if everyone uses cards today. I want you to eat.”

She studies my face, and I’m afraid I might have been too harsh.

“I’ll work on it,” she suggests.

Federico is thinking, and it hits me that they haven’t been introduced.

“Oh,” I say, taking her elbow to turn her to our chef. “This is Federico.”

Alena extends her hand. Federico takes it into his own. “I will make you a lunch to die for from now on.”

“You don’t have to do that,” she protests, but I know Federico does what he says. Otherwise, he wouldn’t work for me.

“Nonsense. He loves to cook, and after you taste the meal he made tonight, you’ll never be so quick to refuse,” I say, putting her coat in the adjacent mud room.

“I hope you like pot roast. I know you just had seafood, but it’s cold out.”

“It smells incredible,” she says. “The aroma of whatever you made fills the house. I smelled the meat and carrots when I walked in.” Her smile at Federico makes me envious of the attention she’s giving him, and I’m jealous that he’s smitten with her.

Great, my chef and servant is now her ally.

“Thank you,” Federico replies before he turns to lift the covered serving tray off the counter and leads the way to the table decorated with dripless candles for ambiance.

“This is incredible. Thank you both so much. I’ve never come home to dinner prepared for me like it’s a special holiday, except for the engagement,” she adds.

So, her parents put on the show for me this week. I assume it’s only fitting since I’ll be the one to take care of their daughter, but in reality, they did it so her father could avoid being bathed in betrayal.

The meal is on the table. I pull the chair out for Alena. “Wine?” I ask as I grab the bottle of chilled red off the table.

“Thank you. Do you mind if I start?”

“Not at all.” I pour the wine as Federico disappears. If I know him, he’s probably making dessert for her.

She helps herself to the serving utensils, puts slices of beef on her plate, and scoops veggies onto it. She wasn’t joking. She is ravenous and begins to cut her meat. I sit adjacent to her.

She takes a bite of the tender beef and moans.

“This is ah-mazing,” she exclaims as if she’s describing an orgasm.

“I told you,” I say as I help myself to the food.

“I want to hear about Alexsei. How is he?”

“He’s fantastic. I’m not so sure your father will be in any shape to walk you down the aisle.”

“I don’t want him there at all,” she exclaims, and her eyes turn as dark as the clouds that blow in with a Northwestern snowstorm.

“Really?”

“Of course. I was pissed at you for keeping your identity from me because you should have told me sooner.”

“It’s true. I’m sorry about that. I went for the dramatics. I did like the secrecy, and the thought of the two of us fucking all over the city still excites me,” I confess. I’m growing hard as the words tumble from my mouth.

“However, my father’s situation is alarming,” she adds. “My father warned me not to trust you.”

“You are right about that. He went so far as to tell Alexsei that he didn’t trust me!”

“No,” she exclaims, and her hand flies to her mouth.

“Yes, and it took me by surprise. I don’t like surprises.”

“We can agree that he’s on our shit lists. How did Alexsei take it?” She confirms my belief that she has no clue about her father’s dealings.

“He finds me honorable, and I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he questions your father’s loyalty.”

“I can’t sit on the sidelines. I have to warn Izzy and Dmitry.”

“Carefully. However, you’re right about this. Alexsei adores you.”

“Really?”

“Yes. In fact, you’re the reason that my head is still attached.”

Her eyes grow wide at my comment.

“What? I went into the lion’s den. We met at his house.”

“Wow. Well, he wouldn’t have had you there if he didn’t trust you, so I’m sure it’s not as bad as you make it out to be.”

“I’m not a man to be concerned over much, but it started intensely, as you can imagine, and then, we became friends. He’s repaying a debt he owes you for caring for his daughter.”

“He said that?” She gave me a perplexed look.

“Yes. I can report that it was heartfelt as well.”

“Izzy is my family, and I must warn her. Once someone betrays another, it’s only a matter of time before they do it to you and those you care about.”

“That’s pretty profound. I have to agree. Let’s drink wine.”

She lifts her glass and taps mine before taking a long sip.

We demolished dinner, and Federico served us homemade cannoli with chocolate chips for dessert.

“I have to show you around. Follow me,” I say, standing.

I walk her through the spacious mansion.

I show her my study, which doubles as my man cave.

“You can read the books, but this is my room. It’s off limits to everyone but Federico and Gio.

I use it to smoke cigars and drink bourbon occasionally. ”

“It’s very manly.” Her eyes roam the room, which is dark wood and leather with a tinge of cigar smoke. “You don’t smoke in the house without opening the French doors, do you?”

“I won’t if it bothers you.”

“Doors open, please.”

“Noted, let’s head upstairs.” We walked up the massive staircase, and I led her to our bedroom. I’ve never shared one before, and I was caught off guard when we were both stopped near the bed. It’s the white elephant in the room. I’m speechless.

“Oh, my luggage is here,” she says, dissipating the tension in the sleeping arrangements.

“Did your father mention the details of our arrangement? No. Why?”

“We’re to share the bed and room, and I hope you aren’t opposed to having a child next year. I need an heir.”

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